Victorian parents and carers now have access to additional evidence-based practical advice and ideas to help their children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Parents of two-year-old and three-year-old children can sign up to Play Learn Grow, a free and new evidence-based program developed in collaboration with parenting experts.

Minister for Education James Merlino announced the Victorian Government is investing up to $400,000 to extend a successful trial, which ran from January this year, to make Play Learn Grow available for more Victorian families.

Participants who sign up to the free program receive three text messages a week with information and activities they can do with their children at home.

The program has been developed by leading early childhood experts including the Parenting Research Centre and follows successful trials overseas.

It also supports parent and carer wellbeing as they balance a range of commitments while supporting their child.

Play Learn Grow is a time-limited program that will run over the coming months. Parents and carers can sign up now by visiting www.parenting.vic.gov.au/playlearngrow.

Making Victoria the Education State starts with the early years. That’s why, in an Australian-first, the Victorian Government is also investing almost $5 billion over this decade to deliver universally funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, with the roll-out starting this year.